Muskie
08-20-2018, 08:30 PM
With the announcement of the Heidt Family Champions Center (f/k/a O'Connor), I thought now would be a good time to summarize what I learned at dinner last Friday night.
I had the privilege of having dinner with about 30 other Indianapolis Alum to hear Coach Steele talk about the team and unveil the next projected additions and renovations to the Cintas Center. These sets of projects are better described as 'The Final Two Percent". These are projects that Coach Steele and Greg Christopher have identified that can help Xavier maintain a competitive advantage in the Big East and on the national level. I'm sure I'll leave points out, but here's what I remember. The three projects are:
2nd practice gym
Updated coaches offices & film area
Updated MBB locker room
2nd Practice Gym: But Muskie, Xavier already has a practice gym. Very true, valued poster. The Men's team currently shares the two available floors (Cintas and the Auxilary) with the Women's Team and the Volleyball team. However, at other schools like Louisville, West Virginia, and Creighton, the Men's team has their own practice gym. Currently, if Goodin wants to go work on his jump shot, there's a 1 in 3 chance that he won't have a Court to practice on. Coaches like to show recruits the facilities when they visit, right now that may involve showing the practice facility while the Volley Ball team practices. Coach Steele believes in the necessity of this project so much, that he and his family are donating a significant amount of money to the project as well. There were three projected sites, all connected to Cintas. With three gyms, I imagine there would be an improvement in the Women's Team and Volleyball program as well (so it's improving three programs).
Updated Coaches Office & Film Area: Right now Travis Steele uses the same desk that Skip Prosser, Thad Matta, Sean Miller, and Chris Mack used. Cool, right? That's a bunch of Xavier basketball history. However, it's also an 18-year-old desk and office furniture. Coach Steele often meets with recruits in his office and goes over film with the players. Again, many of our league brethren have newer facilities (Georgetown) and recruits notice this stuff. The office gets used far more than I imagined as a fan. I believe the Women's coaching offices are also included, so again the improvements help both teams.
Updated Men's Basketball Locker Room: The Men's Locker Room has not been updated since 2000 in any major way. Most locker rooms are much newer. Locker room facilities are a significant factor in the continued recruitment of players. We compete against teams that have newer facilities and some of our Big East Brethren operate out of NBA Caliber locker rooms (Marquette most notably as it's new). It's a place where players and recruits spend a significant amount of time.
We all were very excited to join the Big East. For many it was recognition of all the University had accomplished so far. Membership puts us consistently one step closer to competing for a National Championship. However, moving up a weight class involves investing in new facilities and equipment. Simply put, Xavier can't continue to compete at the Big East level with Atlantic 10 level accommodations and facilities for the players and recruits. It was made clear that these projects will begin as soon as the funding is secured. Stepping up on these items is the price of continued competitive squads and Championships in the Big East.
I would never be so bold as to tell each one of you how to spend your hard earned money, but if you are interested in supporting these endeavors I can send you the link to learn more or you can contact All For One, about making a donation.
I had the privilege of having dinner with about 30 other Indianapolis Alum to hear Coach Steele talk about the team and unveil the next projected additions and renovations to the Cintas Center. These sets of projects are better described as 'The Final Two Percent". These are projects that Coach Steele and Greg Christopher have identified that can help Xavier maintain a competitive advantage in the Big East and on the national level. I'm sure I'll leave points out, but here's what I remember. The three projects are:
2nd practice gym
Updated coaches offices & film area
Updated MBB locker room
2nd Practice Gym: But Muskie, Xavier already has a practice gym. Very true, valued poster. The Men's team currently shares the two available floors (Cintas and the Auxilary) with the Women's Team and the Volleyball team. However, at other schools like Louisville, West Virginia, and Creighton, the Men's team has their own practice gym. Currently, if Goodin wants to go work on his jump shot, there's a 1 in 3 chance that he won't have a Court to practice on. Coaches like to show recruits the facilities when they visit, right now that may involve showing the practice facility while the Volley Ball team practices. Coach Steele believes in the necessity of this project so much, that he and his family are donating a significant amount of money to the project as well. There were three projected sites, all connected to Cintas. With three gyms, I imagine there would be an improvement in the Women's Team and Volleyball program as well (so it's improving three programs).
Updated Coaches Office & Film Area: Right now Travis Steele uses the same desk that Skip Prosser, Thad Matta, Sean Miller, and Chris Mack used. Cool, right? That's a bunch of Xavier basketball history. However, it's also an 18-year-old desk and office furniture. Coach Steele often meets with recruits in his office and goes over film with the players. Again, many of our league brethren have newer facilities (Georgetown) and recruits notice this stuff. The office gets used far more than I imagined as a fan. I believe the Women's coaching offices are also included, so again the improvements help both teams.
Updated Men's Basketball Locker Room: The Men's Locker Room has not been updated since 2000 in any major way. Most locker rooms are much newer. Locker room facilities are a significant factor in the continued recruitment of players. We compete against teams that have newer facilities and some of our Big East Brethren operate out of NBA Caliber locker rooms (Marquette most notably as it's new). It's a place where players and recruits spend a significant amount of time.
We all were very excited to join the Big East. For many it was recognition of all the University had accomplished so far. Membership puts us consistently one step closer to competing for a National Championship. However, moving up a weight class involves investing in new facilities and equipment. Simply put, Xavier can't continue to compete at the Big East level with Atlantic 10 level accommodations and facilities for the players and recruits. It was made clear that these projects will begin as soon as the funding is secured. Stepping up on these items is the price of continued competitive squads and Championships in the Big East.
I would never be so bold as to tell each one of you how to spend your hard earned money, but if you are interested in supporting these endeavors I can send you the link to learn more or you can contact All For One, about making a donation.